El Al starts repatriation flights as Israel-Iran conflict enters sixth day

El Al has won the green light to start repatriation flights from points in Europe back to Israel.

 

The UK was not on the list of points the airline plans to run flights from and there are no outbound departures from Israel.

 

Approval from the Israeli government in the midst of the escalating conflict with Iran will see one-way flights operate from Larnaca in Cyprus, Athens, Rome, Milan and Paris starting today (Wednesday).

 

The Israeli flag carrier previously cancelled its regular flight schedule until June 23 “following developments in the security situation”.

 

But it applied to operate one-way “recovery” flights to repatriate residents back to the country.

 

Israel’s transportation ministry is reported to have said there are around 150,000 Israelis abroad - with around 50,000 of them looking to return home.

 

The airspace between Iran and Israel has been closed to commercial flights since June 13 when the conflict began, impacting neighbouring Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Syria.

 

El Al said: “Following government approval, we are preparing to operate recovery flights in accordance with the framework and guidelines set by the Ministry of Transportation.

 

“We are expected to operate recovery flights from the following destinations: Larnaca, Athens, Rome, Milan, and Paris.

 

“As of now, according to government decision, there are no outbound passenger flights from Israel to international destinations.

“Please note that passengers for these flights have already been assigned and will receive notification. 

 

“These flights are already full. Passengers who registered via the dedicated form were assigned for these flights. There is no need to contact customer service.”